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Does anyone dread physical therapy like me?
I'm in Chicago and there are hundreds of PT locations I can go to. The best therapist I had was appointed by my spine physician but she was far away in terms of location, and she didn't know how to react to me having muscle spasms so I quit going due to those reasons. There are places right near my house but the therapist turnover is really a problem.
In addition to the negative experiences I have had, I also lack motivation. I know I should do the exercises to feel better. Gabapentin makes me so blah and gives me concentration problems. My leg pain in general makes me feel like hopeless in terms of any recovery. I used to work out at home every day with my pilates and weights routine but now I never do it. Comments? Suggestions? Encouragement? Thanks
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@pjbchicago Did you see this comment when I responded to you in another discussion?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1219899/
May I ask how serious your spinal stenosis is? It seems to me that may possibly be the source of your muscle spasms and nerve pain. Are you considering surgery? Physical therapy helps up to a point, but it cannot fix stenosis. When PT fails, often that is one sign for insurance companies to authorize a surgical procedure.
Do you walk outside? Perhaps a change of scenery may provide some motivation. I know a good physical therapist can make a lot of difference. My PT also does myofascial release which releases tightness in tissues and muscles. It helps, but it sounds like your muscle spasms may be caused by nerve compression from stenosis. Have you discussed this with your spine specialist? I was given gabapentin too, but I didn't take it. My relief was surgery for my cervical canal stenosis. I did have muscles jumping in my legs from spinal cord compression in my neck.
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4 ReactionsHi @pjbchicago
Chicago?All right!
Ok, for me… little or no “spine physician”? Is you spine exercised or your pain? You use the “pain” meds, for you, are my anti-seizure ((300x2)x3 per day) from. Y brain-injury from 2012. Your pain-meds has made ‘round 1991; then that med stated for anti seizure med was made ‘round 2001-3.
A lot of people use the pain use of this is 90% folks. It doesn’t work as well for you that you say. Pain is crap. Sorry…
Have her check for pain from your nerve from you bottom of you back. That’s pictures.
Thx,
Greg D. @greg1956
I am so lucky I have a wonderful physical therapy group. I look forward to twice a week to be with them and enjoy the progress we are making for my physical improvement
There is a wide variation in the techniques that PTs use and their skill level. Typically the approach used is driven by the practice. I would look for a practitioner who does manual therapy and myofacial release in addition to prescribing exercises. I had bad muscle spasms after a surgery performed due to a traumic injury (fall off a horse) and my PT was my lifeline. The manual therapy and myofacial release felt great and lessened the pain, which motivated me to do my exercise routine. I have had other PTs who did not help me feel better and did not inspire me. Given that you are in a big metro area, I am certain you can find someone with this training and approach.
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4 ReactionsThanks!
@cateh I couldn't agree more about the benefits of a therapist who uses myofascial release. It has been my godsend. I started with MFR for treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and later it helped with my spine surgery and ankle fracture. I've learned a lot about how to do some home MFR stretches to maintain my condition.
Here is our discussion where you can learn more.
Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/